Lilium achieves first main wing transition for all-electric aircraft [video]

Re:Lilium achieves first main wing transition for all-electr... by sokoloff on Monday June 13, 2022 @01:46PM (#31728871)

That might not be as big of a concern as it first appears. You’re rarely more than 50 miles from an airport with either a crossing runway or a taxiway better aligned to the unusual wind (naturally, airports tend to have a primary runway aligned with the prevailing winds when terrain permits).

In an emergency, landing on an aligned taxiway is probably not materially different in risk profile from a VTOL landing on an uncontrolled ramp or parking lot under those same wind conditions.

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Re:Lilium achieves first main wing transition for all-electr... by lambda on Monday June 13, 2022 @05:06PM (#31731767)

Yep, I'm not saying it's a big limitation, given the VTOL capabilities and availability of airports. Just that there will be few windy days in which we might not be able to fly, but that's the case for pretty much all small aircraft.

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